Dennis Rodman, formerly of the Pistons, Spurs, Bulls, Lakers and Mavericks, was able to carve out an extremely successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). All of this despite endless controversy off the court. He was drafted by the Pistons in 1986 with the 27th pick of the draft. After two years he became one of the best rebounders in the league and was selected to five All-Star Games. In 1996-98, he won three consecutive championships with the Chicago Bulls. When he retired from professional basketball he had accumulated Five NBA Titles, two Gold Medals, two defensive player of year awards and seven rebounding titles.
Denis Rodman’s childhood
In his first year of high school, he was a victim of bullying and had problems with discipline at the hands of his coach at Trenton South High School in New Jersey. Then he transferred to a new high school called Blair Academy where he finished high school. There he was able to play basketball for two years before entering college.
Denis Rodman’s college basketball career
In 1984 he was a transfer player for the University of Southern Methodist University in Texas. In that one year he managed to average 16 points, 13 rebounds and four assists a game before transferring again to the University of Southern California (USC). He only managed to play there for a single season as well where he again averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds and four assists per game.
When he transferred to the University of Southern California (USC) he was known for his physical play and ability to rebound. This allowed him to be named Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1985 and 1986. He also managed to make it into the All Pac-10 First Team in 1985 and 1986.
Denis Rodman’s National Basketball Association (NBA) career
Rodman was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 27th pick in the second round of the NBA draft in 1986. He then played his first game for them in November 1986 against The New York Knicks. He gained recognition early in the 1987 season when he won the NBA rebounding title with an average of 18.7 per game. He was also the runner-up for the Defensive Player of The Year Award that same year, losing to Mark Eaton by two votes.
Why the NBA hated Dennis Rodman, and why he was successful anyway
Rodman was not considered a typical player because of his height, strength, and style. As the NBA was trying to decide whether or not Rodman had what it takes to be successful, he proved detractors wrong by becoming one of the best rebounders in league history. It was not only the rebounds he would get, but also the number of defensive boards and offensive put backs. Rodman was so skilled at rebounding that when he ended his career in 2000 he had pulled down over 10,000 defensive rebounds which is more than any other player in history.
How many rings does Rodman have?
Rodman has four rings with the Detroit Pistons and one when he was on the Chicago Bulls in 1993. He also won two Gold medals – in 1996, when he won his last title with the Los Angeles Lakers, and in 1988, when he played for Team USA.
Conclusion
Denis Rodman is a professional basketball player who has had an illustrious career in the NBA. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 27th pick of the draft and went on to have a successful career as one of the best rebounders in league history. In 1993, he won three consecutive championships with the Chicago Bulls before coming back for his final season with Los Angeles Lakers. When he retired from professional basketball, Denis Rodman accumulated four NBA Titles, two Gold Medals, and one Most Improved Player Award.
